Student teachers’ perspectives towards teacher leadership

Abstract

This qualitative study aimed to explore six student teachers’ changing perceptions and understandings of teacher leadership during their participation in a practicum experience in Qatar. The practicum experience particularly targeted developing student teachers’ understanding of teacher leadership through discussions, coaching, and mentoring. Data collection was carried out through a quantitative survey, and qualitative semi-structured interviews and weekly reflective journals in order to document not only changing perceptions, but also the factors influencing such changes. Findings revealed some improvement in student teachers’ definitions, awareness, and practises of teacher leadership. However, they did not fully associate their practises as being completely leadership-oriented. Implications of the study pertain to providing suitable opportunities for leadership development within teacher preparation programs to help student teachers acknowledge their contributions and practises as pertaining to teacher leadership.